Cimarron Medical Services

Home Oxygen Manual

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 Table of Contents

Introduction to Home Oxygen 3

Using Your Concentrator 4

Nasal Cannula 5

Humidifier Use 6

Oxygen Tanks 7

Regulators and Conserving Devises 8

Using Your Oxygen Tanks 9

Oxygen Safety 10-12

Cleaning and Maintenance 13

Troubleshooting 14-15

Adverse Reactions 16

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Introduction to Home Oxygen Therapy
Your physician has determined that supplemental oxygen is a benefit to you and has
prescribed an oxygen system to be used at a specific flow to meet your particular needs.
CHANGES TO YOUR FLOW SETTINGS SHOULD ONLY BE MADE UNDER
THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN.

Home Oxygen Therapy

More people are using oxygen therapy outside the hospital, permitting them to lead
active, productive lives. People with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases),
occupational lung disease, lung cancer, congestive heart failure, or other chronic or acute
lung disorders may use oxygen therapy at home.

The air you breathe every day contains 21% oxygen. The oxygen you will receive at
home is closer to 100% oxygen. Home oxygen is considered to be a drug and must be
prescribed by your doctor. Oxygen is not addictive and causes no side affects when used
as prescribed. Some people may need supplemental oxygen continuously, while others
may only need oxygen during exercise or sleep.

Oxygen Concentrator
The oxygen concentrator is an electric oxygen delivery system on wheels. The
concentrator extracts some of the room air and separates the oxygen from the other gases
in the air. Oxygen is then delivered to you through tubing attached to a nasal cannula.
The concentrator should be used while inside your home. Up to 50 feet of tubing can be
added to allow you to move about. Concentrators are one of the most common home
oxygen systems. Advantages are minimal maintenance needed, does not need to be
refilled, and can be moved easily to another room if necessary.

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Using Your Concentrator
Position your unit near an electrical outlet in the room where you spend most of your
time. The unit should be at least 6 inches from the walls, draperies, or any other objects
that might prevent flow of air in and out of your concentrator.
Note: Do not connect to an electrical outlet controlled by a wall switch. No other
appliances should be plugged into the wall outlet. Avoid using extension cords if
possible.

1) Turn on your concentrator

(On/Off power switch located on
front of unit). Expect to hear alarm
for approx. 5 seconds. If you hear
this alarm at any other time, your
concentrator may be malfunctioning;
refer to the troubleshooting part of
this book or contact Cimarron
Medical Services if needed.

Flow Meter

2) Adjust the flow meter to your

prescribed flow rate (i.e. if your
orders are 2 liters per minute, turn your
knob until the black ball is in the middle
of the line next to the two)

Green Connecter
3) Attach tubing to green connector
on concentrator. Push in clear barbed
oxygen connector at opposite end
of tubing. Attach nasal cannula to
barbed connector.

Clear Barbed Connector

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 Nasal Cannula
A nasal cannula is the most frequently used oxygen accessory. It consists of two prongs
that rest in your nose. These prongs are attached to tubing that is placed behind your ears
and secured under your neck. When you use your oxygen, you will feel the oxygen enter
your nose through the curved prongs. Nasal cannulas can be worn while eating, drinking
or talking.

1) Attach the cannula to the

connector and adjust the flow
rate as prescribed by your doctor.
DO NOT CHANGE YOUR
OXYGEN FLOW RATE
WITHOUT CONSULTING
WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN. If
your physician changes your
flow rate contact Cimarron
Medical immediately.

2) Place the two prongs into your

nostrils, making sure that the
prongs are curved downward.

3) Place the tubing behind your

ears.

4) Tighten the slide comfortably

under your chin.

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 Humidifier Use
If you develop any dryness or nose bleeds from oxygen therapy, you may need to attach a
water humidifier to your concentrator. This will add moisture to the oxygen.

1) Where the tubing attaches to

green connector on the
concentrator, pull from machine.
Unscrew the green connector
from the oxygen outlet on the
concentrator.
2) Fill humidifier bottle with
distilled water only. Do not fill
past the maximum indicator on
the bottle. This could cause water Humidifier Bottle
to flow into your tubing. Make
sure the lid is on tight and not
cross-threaded.
3) Thread the wing nut on top of the
humidifier bottle to the oxygen
outlet on the concentrator. Again
making sure it is securely
tightened and not cross-threaded.
4) Attach the oxygen tubing directly
to the humidifier bottle outlet
fitting.
5) If humidity is added to the
oxygen, a water trap should be
added between the turbing and
the nasal cannula (nose piece).
Empty water trap, if needed, by
removing the white end cap.
Water traps should prevent water
from blowing up into your
nostril. The trap should lay flat
on the floor to ensure proper Bottle Attached to Concentrator
function.
If dryness still exists, use a water
based solution like, KY Jelly or
Roezit inside your nose.
6) If any soreness develops on ears,
ear guards are available on Water Trap
request.

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 Oxygen Cylinder (tank)
A cylinder is a tank that contains oxygen under pressure. Due to the high pressure
involved, cylinders are made of aluminum or steel and must be handled carefully.

Oxygen cylinders come in several sizes. The most common sizes are E, C, and B tanks.
The only differences between the tanks are their size and amount of oxygen they contain.

E Cylinders: These cylinders are about

2.5 feet tall and weigh about 18 pounds
when full. They can be moved easily with
a rolling cart. An E cylinder is provided as
a backup for the concentrator in case there
is a system or power failure. Advantages
are they last longer than the B or C tanks
and can be used for trips away from home.
A disadvantage of the E tank is that they
are a little heavier in comparison to the B
or C tanks.
E-Tank

C Cylinders: These tanks are about 1.5

feet tall and weigh about 7 pounds when
full. The cylinders come with a carrying
case that can be worn over the shoulder
and are for short trips outside of the house.
(i.e. grocery store, doctor appointments, C-Tank
etc.)

B Cylinders: The B tanks are the smallest

of the cylinders. They are also about 1.5
feet tall, but only weigh 5.5 pounds when
B-Tank
full. A disadvantage to these tanks is that
they will not last as long as the C tank.

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 Regulators and Conserving Devices
A REGULATOR (or a conserving device) is needed for operation of your oxygen
cylinder. A regulator reduces the pressure coming out of an oxygen cylinder to obtain a
specific flow rate. A regulator consists of a flow gauge and pressure gauge. The pressure
gauge indicates the pressure of oxygen in the cylinder. A full cylinder should read
approximately 1800 psi (the needle should be in the green area). As you use the oxygen
in your cylinder, the pressure will drop; how quickly the pressure drops depends on the
flow rate. When the pressure gauge reads low, approximately 500 psi (the needle in the
red area), it is time to change your tank for a full one. The regulator provides oxygen at a
continuous flow and does not require any batteries for use.

Oxygen CONSERVING DEVICES are very popular. Conservers are similar to

regulators except instead of running continuously they pulse when you breathe in through
your nose. The major advantage with these is the tanks will last much longer than with a
regulator. Most of these devices require batteries to operate.

Pressure Gauge


Flow Meter 

Cannula Fitting

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Preparing and Using Your Oxygen Cylinder (Tank)
You will need the following equipment to prepare your cylinder for use:

 Cylinder
 Regulator or Conserving Device
 Cylinder wrench (key)
 Nasal cannula

Note: If your cylinder has a regulator or conserving device already attached; disregard
steps 1-4.

1) Carefully remove the seal from the cylinder neck. Remove Seal


2) Notice the 3 holes on the neck of the cylinder.

These holes are only located on one side.

3) Place the regulator (or conserver) over the cylinder.

Align the three prongs on the regulator/conserver with the
three holes on the cylinder neck.

4) Tighten the handle on the regulator/conserver until it

is firmly attached
Align Regulator 

5) Attach your cylinder wrench to the top of the cylinder.

Turn the wrench slowly counter-clockwise (to left)
one full turn to open the cylinder. You should see the
needle on the pressure gauge read “full” at this point.

6) Adjust the flow rate by turning the flow knob until you
reach your desired prescription rate.

7) Attach your nasal cannula to the flow outlet.

8) To turn your oxygen off, attach your cylinder Tighten Knob

wrench to the top of the tank and turn clockwise
(to the right) until it stops.
Open Tank

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 Oxygen Safety Guidelines
Oxygen is a safe gas as long as it is used properly. Oxygen supports combustion so any
material that is already burning will burn much faster and hotter in an oxygen-enriched
atmosphere. It is very important to follow these precautions so that you and your family
are safe when you are using your oxygen.

1. Do not smoke or allow others to smoke in the same room as your oxygen
concentrator or cylinders.
2. Post yellow “No Smoking” signs in your home (ex. Front door, back door, or side
window).
3. Keep the following at least five feet away from an oxygen source:
 burning candles
 open flames
 gas stoves
 electrical appliances
 any item or equipment that may spark
4. Do not use aerosols near oxygen equipment.
5. Do not use oil or lubricants on oxygen equipment.
6. Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and flashlights in the home and working properly
are highly recommended.
7. If you use an oxygen concentrator, 1) notify your fire department and 2) notify your
electric company so you will be given priority if there is a power failure.
8. Turn your oxygen off when not in use.
9. Do not store oxygen cylinders in heat or direct sunlight.
10. Secure oxygen cylinders properly in appropriate stands to prevent tipping or place
them on their side on the floor.
11. Always store your oxygen concentrator and tanks in a well-ventilated area.
Placement in a closed closet or car trunk would not provide adequate
ventilation.
12. Oxygen tanks should not be left in vehicles or garages during extreme heat.
13. When driving, secure the oxygen unit so it will not tip over. Leave a window open
slightly for ventilation so the oxygen will not accumulate in the car.
14. Be careful to not trip on oxygen tubing while using your oxygen concentrator.
15. Do not ever change the flow of oxygen unless directed by your physician.
16. Do not use petroleum products (ex. Vaseline). Use water-based lubricants (ex. KY
Jelly).

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 Cleaning and Maintenance Instructions
Once a Week:

 Unplug the unit and wipe down the concentrator with a damp cloth
 Remove the filter out of the back of concentrator. Rinse with warm, soapy water
and remove excess water with a soft absorbent towel. A clean filter will prevent
the concentrator from over-heating.
 Wash out humidifier bottle with warm, soapy water and refill it with clean
distilled water. NOTE: Humidifier bottles can be disinfected by soaking in a
vinegar solution with ½ vinegar and ½ water. Let soak for 30 minutes, rinse
thoroughly, and let air dry.

Foam Filter Humidifier Bottle

Every 2 Weeks
 Replace Nasal cannula (nose piece), oxygen mask or trach mask
Every 3 Months
 Replace Oxygen Tubing
 Replace Humidifier Bottle (if applicable)
 Replace Water Trap (if applicable)

Note: Routine changing of oxygen disposables prevents bacteria from

growing.

Suggestion: Write on calendar to keep track of when to replace supplies.

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 Safe Practices for Handling Oxygen Equipment
Oxygen – used for medical reasons – should be handled carefully. Although oxygen does
not burn, it supports combustion. Materials that can burn are ignited more readily and
burn more rapidly in the presence of oxygen. Metal cylinders are used to store oxygen
under high pressure.

To prevent injury or damage:

DO
Store tanks on their side in clean, dry DO NOT
locations away from direct sunlight, 1. Store cylinders in closets
extreme heat or high traffic areas. 2. Store cylinders under beds
3. Store cylinders in an unsecure upright
position
4. Store cylinders in car trunk/bed of truck

Keep Cylinders away from open Never allow smoking around

flames or extreme heat sources Oxygen Equipment

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